Associate Director, Planning & Scheduling - Onsite

Merck & Co.; Rahway (NJ); On-site; USD 129,000 - 203,000; Full time

Job summary

Merck & Co. is seeking a Print Team Lead to oversee daily label production operations for clinical supplies. The role requires ensuring GMP compliance, driving process improvements, and coordinating global labeling activities to meet operational goals.

Responsibilities include supervising quality inspections, managing inventory, and training team members. Candidates should have leadership experience, knowledge of SAP, and strong collaboration across functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 4+ years of relevant experience in Pharmaceutical Operations or equivalent.
• High School Diploma with 6+ years of relevant experience in Pharmaceutical Operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily label production operations ensuring GMP compliance.
• Print, inspect, proof, and maintain accountability for clinical product labels.
• Maintain label inventory and dispose of expired materials.
• Lead training and development for team members.
• Conduct periodic quality inspections during printing to ensure product integrity.
• Prepare shipments of labels to external packaging sites.
• Participate in equipment testing and upgrades.
• Ensure tasks align with batch records and SOPs.
• Initiate process improvements to boost quality and efficiency.
• Monitor production schedules and manage headcount and utilization.
• Lead local and global label projects and organize meetings.
• Draft and approve SOPs and job aids for packaging and labeling.
• Support internal and external audits.

Skills

Team leadership

GMP compliance

Quality systems

Process improvement

Trainer / training

Label production

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality inspections

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent with four years of relevant experience

High School Diploma or equivalent with six years of relevant experience

Tools

SAP

Job description

Job Description

The Global Clinical Supply (GCS) organization manages the "end-to-end" clinical supply for the company's portfolio.- GCS is accountable for the planning, sourcing, labeling, packaging and delivery of clinical supplies to clinical sites across more than 60+ countries, in compliance with worldwide regulations, company policies and standard operating procedures.

The Print Team Lead is responsible for overseeing daily label production operations, ensuring compliance with GMP and quality standards, driving process improvements, supporting team development, and coordinating both local and global labeling activities to meet operational goals efficiently and effectively.

Role requires full

Primary activities

• Ensure each component or bulk material used in label production is properly identified, not expired, and verified throughout processing, and that it corresponds to the written information on the work order before proceeding to the next step.
• Print, inspect, proof, and maintain accountability for clinical product labels.
• Maintain label inventory, including the disposal of expired materials.
• Serve as a Qualified Trainer.
• Conduct periodic quality inspections during the printing process to ensure product integrity.
• Prepare shipments of labels to external packaging sites.
• Receive bulk labels from booklet manufacturing vendors.
• Participate in equipment-related testing and upgrades.
• Ensure team members perform tasks in accordance with GMP and batch record instructions.
• Initiate and implement process improvements aimed at increasing quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency.
• Monitor the production schedule on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis while managing group headcount and employee utilization.
• Advance operational capabilities by identifying new opportunities, seeking input from key stakeholders, and implementing ideas.
• Lead, promote, and support the use of innovation and technology in Label Production.
• Regularly evaluate employee performance, conduct development discussions, and complete year-end performance reviews.
• Manage the team, including problem-solving and proactive escalation to next-level management when needed.
• Lead local and global label projects, including organizing meetings and delegating tasks.
• Author, review, and approve standard operating procedures and job aids for packaging and labeling activities.
• Participate in and support internal and external audits.
• Recommend process improvements to enhance team efficiency.
• Coordinate and train new employees.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with four (4) years of relevant experience, or
• High School Diploma or equivalent with six (6) years of relevant experience in Pharmaceutical Operations, preferably in a clinical supply-related area.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• At least two (2) years of experience in management or leadership positions required.
• Minimum of six (6) years of relevant experience in supply chain or operations preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across functional boundaries in multicultural environments to align stakeholders and drive tech transfer strategies and solutions.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, strong verbal and written communication skills, and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of clinical supplies and supply chain processes with relevant regulatory and GMP requirements.
• Ability to establish clear goals, delegate effectively, and hold self and others accountable.
• Ability to succeed in a dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities.
• Well-developed team facilitation and leadership skills, with the ability to build inclusive team environments.
• Proven project and team management skills.
• Prior experience with SAP is beneficial.

#MSJR

US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:

Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.--As a federal contractor, we comply with all affirmative action requirements for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.- For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:

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We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing together, talented, and committed people with diverse experiences, perspectives, skills and backgrounds. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when people with diverse ideas, broad experiences, backgrounds, and skills come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another's thinking and approach problems collectively.

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Job Posting End Date:

09/15/2026

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE -the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

San Francisco Residents Only:

-We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Los Angeles Residents Only:

-We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

No relocation

VISA Sponsorship:

No

Travel Requirements:

10%

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Not Applicable

Shift:

1st - Day

Valid Driving License:

No

Hazardous Material(s):

No

Requisition ID:

R414876

The salary range for this role is

$129,000.00 - $203,100.00

This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, government requirements, and business or organizational needs.

The successful candidate will be eligible for annual bonus and long-term incentive, if applicable.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits.

Available benefits include medical, dental, vision healthcare and other insurance benefits (for employee and family), retirement benefits, including 401(k), paid holidays, vacation, and compassionate and sick days. More information about benefits is available at https://jobs.merck.com/us/en/compensation-and-benefits .